DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has signed a contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries, which will build six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) to further enhance the maritime patrol capabilities of the Philippine Navy.
DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong said the P30-billion contract was signed with Hyundai vice-chairman and president Sam Hyun Ka in simple ceremonies at the agency last June 27 in the presence of South Korean Ambassador Kim In-cheol, AFP Chief Gen. Andres Centino, Rear Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia, the Philippine Navy acting Flag-Officer-In-Command; other DND, AFP and HHI officials.
The project includes technology transfer, particularly Human Engineering Operators and Maintenance Training of Equipment, operation, training and design ownership, and granting the Philippine Navy a license to manufacture/build using the OPV’s design for the exclusive use of the Philippine government.
The OPVs measure 94.4 meters long, 14.3 meters wide, with a displacement of 2,400 tons, maximum speed of 22 knots, cruising speed of 15 knots and a range of 5,500 nautical miles.
In addition, a Lifetime Service Support contract was also signed for the sustainment of the Jose Rizal-class Frigates.
The OPV project was prioritized under the Second Horizon of the Revised AFP Modernization Program, as approved by President Duterte in May 2018.
This is the culmination of months of careful study by the Department of National Defense as endorsed by the Philippine Navy.
